Saturday, December 30, 2017

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Acoustic and Folk-Americana options for celebrating New Year's are all over Southern California. Plus, we have one that's online. And a few that stretch the envelope if you wanna get jiggy with it.

Plus, we have some TICKET ALERTS for impending 2018 stuff that'll soon sell-out, and the final chances to catch some fine and fun options that are CLOSING in the coming week.

ENJOY! See you next year!

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Contents / In this Edition...

1) NEW YEAR'S EVE! Saturday and SUNDAY (and a live performance on the web)

The best FREE events are included! See listings for 10 am, and 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 pm!
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PLUS, it's

HOGMANAY!

That's the Scottish word for the last day of the year, pronounced "HOG-muh-NAY," and it's synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the old Gregorian calendar, in "the Scottish manner." It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year's Day (still January 1st) or, in some cases, on January 2nd, which is a Scottish bank holiday (damn banksters manage to take over everything, if we let 'em). The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from ancient Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the "first-foot," the first guest of the new year who steps over your threshold.

Given that so MANY of our Southern California N.Y.E. celebrations are Irish and Celtic related, you might care to learn more at the official site of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, truly "one of the world's greatest New Year celebrations." You may even want to plan to join the revelry there next year, "for three days of spectacular events, as we show the world how to party!" -- it's at: https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com
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AND, surprisingly, there are a few exceptional NYE events up in the high desert, so we include those, too.
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Sun, Dec 31:
9 am "NEW YEAR'S EVE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD" where the park will host its first New Year’s Eve celebration, with festivities continuing until 1 am.
* Besides all of the usual attractions, enjoy a park-wide countdown party with multiple, uniquely themed entertainment hubs and live music starting at 9 pm.
* Gates open at 9 am on Dec 31st, and this thing will run most of the night.
* Tix prices: The event is included in normal park admission of $105-$116 for general admission; $179-$269 for front-of-line passes.
* Tix at: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/things-to-do/events-and-seasonal-activities/eve-at-universal-studios-hollywood/
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Sun, Dec 31:
10 am ELLEN & STEVE STAPENHORST play the Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Bl, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626-449-3470
* This one is probably in conjunction with a church service at this new age / new thought church.
* The duo just did their annual concert at the Coffee Gallery Backstage on Thursday night (see the write-up in the Thursday edition of the Guide). This is a great brother-sister ensemble act, since each performs individually.
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Sun, Dec 31:
10 am "SUNDAY FOOTBALL NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY" at Lucky Luke Brewing Co., 610 W Ave O, Ste 104 Palmdale, CA; www.luckylukebrewing.com
* This is crazy-innovative: "Bring in your own food and come root for your favorite team. Also serving craft Micheladas from 10 am-3 pm."
* Their shtick? "You won't have to miss any part of your game. It's Week 17 of the 2017 NFL Season. We will be open at 10 am for all of our football fans!
* They have big screens going with EVERY NFL game, all day.
* Venue is 21+. More at their website (above).
* Bring-in your own food, and they can still make money? Somebody oughta tell the pirates who run those hundred-dollar-plus-just-to-get-in /$20-to-park / $18 hamburgers, over-commercialized corporate amusement parks...
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Sun, Dec 31:
Noon-2 pm "BLUEGRASS BRUNCH" with MURPHY'S FLAW performing at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA.
* You've gotta hand it to these guys for innovative gig promotion. They are inviting everyone to join them to "Celebrate New Year's in Dubai with The Flaw," since midnight will arrive in those distant sand dunes during their set.
* And they really sell the idea, by asking, "Hate to be out on the freeways after midnight in L.A.? Can't stand reveling with a bunch of strangers? Or, are you a party animal who enjoys getting a running start on the evening's festivities?"
* They continue, "The Experience Innovations Engineers at the Flaw have come up with a solution to the New Year's dilemma: When it's 12 pm in Burbank it's Midnight in Dubai. Party (long distance) with the folks in the United Arab Emirates! Come usher in 2018 with The Flaw's Sunday Bluegrass Brunch at Viva Cantina. Join us at Noon, Dec. 31, 2017. And, we might even play a bluegrass version of 'Auld Lang Syne!'"
* No cover, beyond buying brunch or something from the menu.
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Sun, Dec 31:
1:15 pm-4 pm TOM BALL & KENNY SULTAN play a New Year's edition of their Sunday residency at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA; 805-967-0066
* NOTE: With the devastating Thomas Fire still burning and producing a lot of choking smoke over the entire region, CHECK with the venue before you go to make sure this is happening and to get a report on the conditions.
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Sun, Dec 31:
2 pm "IRISH NEW YEAR CELEBRATION" at The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta, CA; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
* Things get underway "in the company of Dublin duo" PETE THE PIANO MAN & YOUNG PETER on guitar, from 2 pm-6 pm, and go from there. Reservations can only be made by phone or at the bar directly and there is a cover charge of $10 per adult and $5 for kids 12 and under. Details for this event at: http://conta.cc/2pI5BB3
* The musical duo from Ireland returns from 8 pm-11:55 pm for the evening adults-only show. "The regular full menu will be available to choose from and your table will be reserved from 8 pm. There is a $10 per person cover charge and this will include a champagne toast at midnight & party favors. To reserve a table you can call the pub on 951-696-5252 and book and pay in advance or just call in the pub directly and pay the cover at the bar to secure your table."
* EITHER SHOW here is only a $10 cover. More at: http://theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com/
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Sun, Dec 31, ON THE WEB:
2:30 pm (PST) "MATT HEATON'S EARLY NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECTACULAR" with award-winning artists MATT AND SHANNON HEATON.
* If you don't know Boston-based Matt & Shannon Heaton, you need to.
- SHANNON was named "Live Ireland's 'Female Musician of the Year'" for both 2010 & 2011. She has been compared to Alison Krauss and Altan's Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh for her combination of vocal grace and instrumental prowess on the Irish flute and button accordion.
- MATT provides a firm foundation on the guitar & bouzouki which is equal parts Richard Thompson, Donal Lunny and Bill Frisell, always searching for the perfect chord. Their music is Irish-American in its roots and universal in its appeal.
* They play "Updated and traditional ballads with Irish roots and multi-instrumental virtuosity With engaging stage-presence, masterfully-crafted songs, and sweet harmony singing."
* This is well-travelled music from the heart. Steeped in sessions in County Clare, brewed in the acoustic music scenes of Chicago & Boston, and spiced with imaginative original compositions, the Heatons' sound is an accessible amalgam of trad roots and imaginative modern acoustic sounds, brimming with harmonies and highly textured guitar.
* They were favorites performing live, several times, on the old "Tied to the Tracks" broadcast radio show in L.A.
* The Heatons move audiences from uplifting to heartbreaking songs, with heart-soaring instrumental work and charm.
* WEBCAST: Remember to sign-up early; first-timers must get registered, pay method validated, etc.; it's listed in the site's extensive pay-per-view web watch offerings at: https://www.concertwindow.com
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Sun, Dec 31:
3-6 pm "IRISH NEW YEAR" live at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S. Pine Av, Long Beach, CA 90802; www.aulddubliner.com
* Join multi-instrumentalist and best-there-is vocalist KEN O'MALLEY as he performs for the arrival of the New Year -- as the clock strikes midnight in Ireland.
* Ireland is 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles so our 4 pm is their midnight.
* No cover!
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Sun, Dec 31:
4 pm "CELEBRATE THE BRITISH-IRISH NEW YEAR" at King's Head British Pub & Restaurant, 116 Santa Monica Bl, Santa Monica, CA; 310-451-1402; www.yeoldekingshead.com
* At 4 pm, it's midnight in the British Isles, "Then do it all again at Midnight."
* Music here is a DJ and a Bagpiper, and they have party favors.
* They are also open on Monday, 1/1/2018 for New Years Day breakfast at 9 am; 9:30 am Everton v Manchester United, then the Rose Bowl at 1 pm).
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Sun, Dec 31:
4:30 pm-7:30 pm "SANTA BARBARA IRISH SESSION" is a weekly event that may or may not be happening today; check with the venue's contact: La Arcada Bistro, 1112 State St., Santa Barbara, CA; info, Willie Quinn, at 805-965-5742
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Sun, Dec 31:
7:30 pm WE THE FOLK may or may not be playing their every-Sunday residency tonight at the Culver Hotel, 9400 Culver Blv, Culver City, CA; 310-558-9400
* Check with the band's contact, Sean O'Hara, at 925-216-8993, or email at: wethefolkmusic@gmail.com
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Sun, Dec 31:
Time tba "NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH THE FENIANS" at The Harp Inn, 130 E. 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; www.harpinn.com
* The Fenians are a top local Irish band.
* No details of the night are on the venue's website, so phone them for info: 949-646-8855.
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Sun, Dec 31, F-R-E-E-:
8 pm-1 am "N.Y.E.L.A. AT GRAND PARK," is free in the huge, terraced park at 200 N Grand Av, Los Angeles, cA
* Dance your way into 2018 in downtown L.A. with a festive event that includes food, live music and photo booths "in an event that brings the whole community together."
* This is an alcohol-free, family-friendly celebration and there will be security checkpoints, so please don’t bring prohibited items such as fireworks, glass, umbrellas, or anything else that common sense tells you won't be allowed into the event.
* Ride the Metro Red/Purple subway to the Civic Center/Grand Park Station. But BE AWARE that whatever you rode to reach that line is probably shut-down many hours before the event is over!
* more info at: https://nyela.grandparkla.org/
* Price: Free
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Sun, Dec 31, F-R-E-E-:
8 pm-1 am "HERMOSA BEACH NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION" is free at Pier Plaza, Redondo Beach, CA
* Live music by LOU GIOVANNETTI AND HIS BIG BAND.
* Experience both the ball drop in Times Square and the arrival of the New Year in Southern California.
* It's the Hermosa Beach "GLOW NIGHT" NYE Celebration, so feel free to wear your glow-in-the-dark necklaces, bracelets, etc. Glow sticks and other glow-accessories will be available at the event.
* More info: http://business.hbchamber.net/events/details/new-year-s-eve-celebration-3492
* Price: FREE.
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Sun, Dec 31:
8 pm-1 am "NEW YEAR’S EVE ABOARD THE QUEEN MARY" docked at 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802; 877-342-0738.
* Ring in the New Year with Las Vegas Showgirls as they kick-off the evening’s celebrations.
* Dance the night away with live music including a performance from Sir Mix-A-Lot, Los Chicas del 512, a Selena tribute band, and more.
* Fireworks, billed as the largest show in Southern California, happen, too.
* Age 21+.
* Tix are $119 for general admission, $199 for VIP, at: http://www.queenmary.com/events/new-years-eve/
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Sun, Dec 31:
9 pm-2 am "PROHIBITION NYE" at the iconic L.A. Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA
* Live music: special performance by GOLDROOM.
* This 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve celebration returns to historic Union Station in DTLA for the sixth year in a row.
* Guests will be brought back to the Prohibition era with theatrical burlesque performances, live jazz bands, DJs and a premium open bar.
* NOTE: an Amtrak or Metrolink train or Metro subway (Red/Purple) or bus can GET you to this massive train station, but... nearly all of those shuts-down before the event ends. So, have a hotel reservation or be sure your travel arrangements don't have gaps to get you home.
* Tix, $175, at: http://prohibitionnye.com/
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Sun, Dec 31:
9 pm "NEW YEAR'S EVE MASQUERADE BALL" at Fresco II, 1311 Rancho Vista Bl, Palmdale 93551
* Live On-Stage "The Greg Mack Show." It's "A black, silver, & white masquerade ball featuring GREG MACK & DJ SHY."
* The Guide cannot vouch, in any way, for what this will be like, musically. But a masquerade ball is innovative.
* Two options:
- A Limited 75 Couples will be seated for a five-course dinner and a full evening of dancing and bringing in 2018 in style, starting at 9 pm.
- Limited "Dancing Only" tickets available as well - doors Open for those at 10 pm.
* Tix are $100 and $30, available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/old-school-935-brings-in-2018-at-fresco-ii-tickets-40034828249
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***** The best music in town? It's all the marching bands in the ROSE PARADE in Pasadena. Go if you can; if you can't, we recommend you choose KTLA Channel 5 on TV, because it has no commercials that cause you to miss huge pieces of the parade while corporate America tries to sell prescription drugs and catheter cowboys.

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# 2 feature...

♪ ONLINE CONCERT ALERT / TOUR ALERT -- TRAD FOLK FAVORITES

Sat, Jan 6:
5 pm (PST) Vermont-based STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN play Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY, with a LIVE STREAM on Concert Window.
* At press time, the Concert Window link for this show was not yet up, which is bad, because you DO need to sign-up early; first-timers must get registered, pay method validated, etc.; it'll be listed in the site's extensive pay-per-view web watch offerings at: https://www.concertwindow.com
* Cindy tells us: "Between the two of us, Steve and I have been playing at Lena's for almost 90 years (we must like it)! The building renovations are complete, and have made the room much more comfortable without losing the original spirit Lena created. So no matter where you are (or what time zone you're in), you can tune in and be there in spirit."
* Learn more about this favorite folk duo at:
- www.cindymangsen@comcast.net
- www.www.compassrosemusic.com
* NOTE: They're performing in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA in February. Get tix now:
- Sat, Feb 17, 7:30 pm at The Living Tradition in Anaheim, CA; concerts@thelivingtradition.org or 714-202-7330
- Sat, Feb 24, 7 pm at The Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, CA; 626-798-6236
- Sun, Feb 25, 7:30 pm at the Noble House Concert series in Van Nuys, CA; 818-780-5979.
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The music store and concert and teaching venue tells us, "Like all of our scheduled special 60th anniversary performances throughout the year, a portion of tonight's proceeds will go to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, whom we've partnered with to help keep music alive in our schools, through instrument donation and funding vital services."

They continue, "In fact, McCabe's will be a designated drop-off zone for your unwanted musical instruments that will be refurbished and donated to schools throughout the Southland. Starting in 2018 you can bring your unwanted gear to McCabe's and we'll see it gets to someone in need. It's a great cause," and you can read more about it at:

http://www.mhopus.org/

Ticket prices are higher than you're accustomed to seeing at McCabe's for this 60th Anniversary series of "big star" shows. They tell us: "In keeping with our sexagenarian theme, these special shows will have a good amount of tickets specially priced at - you guessed it - $60, with a VIP ticket price of $125.00, which in this case includes preferred seating and a meet and greet after the show."

With two venues and two dates, Sun, Jan 14, in San Pedro AND Sun, Jan 28 in Hermosa Beach...

The 2018 "WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL" kicks-off at 4 pm on both Sundays. Buy tickets directly from organizer / get all the info, at: www.pvplc.org

Locally, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy returns with this singular, annual "on tour" film festival, which calls itself "the largest of its kind in the U.S."

It started in 1983, and the festival features "15 movies in 2 hours...[with] engaging hosts who jointly raise awareness of preservation issues in nature."

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# 6 feature...

♪ L.A. TICKET ALERT... # 4: JACKSON BROWNE plays a benefit

Friday, February 9... JACKSON BROWNE has announced that he will play an 8 pm Benefit Concert at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro.

Proceeds from the concert benefit the non-profit organization Grand Vision Foundation, and its youth music education program, Meet the Music. Meet the Music partners with underserved Harbor Area elementary schools to provide music education in schools where it would not otherwise exist. Through inspirational live world music concerts and professional instruction, Meet the Music introduces music education to over 1800 students, teaching them to read music, play their first instrument and discover that they are music-makers.

Tix sales began Dec 15, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

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# 7 feature...

♪ L.A. TICKET ALERT... # 5: PAUL ANKA

January 14... PAUL ANKA plays the Saban Theatre. They announced, on Dec 30, a "2-for-1 Tickets New Year's Blowout Sale." Get those tix at: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/paul-anka-beverly-hills-california-01-14-2018/event/0B00531DDFDF6E1C
* World renown singer-songwriter-actor Paul Anka first became famous in the late 1950s, continuing through the '60s and into the '70s with hit songs like “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” and “(You’re) Having My Baby. He also wrote such well-known music as the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and one of Tom Jones’s biggest hits, “She’s A Lady,” as well as the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way”. He’s worked with a diverse band of acclaimed artists, including Peter Cetera, Celine Dion, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, and the late Michael Jackson. In fact, Anka co-wrote Jackson’s posthumous #1 worldwide hit, “This Is It.”

"Follow the evolution of Celtic culture in Stepping Out, a high-energy extravaganza of sights and sounds presented by Dublin Irish Dance. These world champion Irish step-dancers, along with an eight member traditional Irish band and vocalist, take us on a journey, exploring the history of the Celtic cultural experience through song and dance." - Irish Pub Guide (www.pubguide.com)

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# 9 feature... reprinted from Dec 28th edition...

♪ LIVE (recorded) PERFORMANCE ONLINE / ON DEMAND: DUO from THE FREIGHT HOPPERS

Frank Lee and Allie Burbrink present songs and tunes from the rural Southern tradition, spanning bluegrass, old time, blues, and spirituals. After a few years of collaborating, they took their duo act on the road in January 2016, with Frank playing guitar, slide guitar, and banjo and Allie playing guitar, banjo, and harmonica. They can also be heard trading-off lead and harmony vocals in their duet show and with their old time string band The Freight Hoppers.

A passion for traditional songs and tunes from the rural South has fueled Frank's love of performing for the past 40 years. As a founding member of The Freight Hoppers, he has shared this passion with audiences all over the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. His repertoire has a range of old time music that spans raw Blues from the Mississippi Delta to the hillbilly music recorded in the 1920s.

Allie Burbrink is a founding member of The Whipstitch Sallies, a bluegrass-influenced band from Indiana. She works with the Wernick Method Bluegrass Jamming organization and performs in the duo and with The Freight Hoppers.

Frank and Allie also organize an old time music retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains in early April called the "Banjo-Fiddle Frolic."

LISTEN TO and learn about Frank and Allie on their Folk Alley "Open Mic" page, at:

http://www.folkalley.com/openmic/artist.php?id=4190
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AND of course there's plenty more, including the 24/7 internet radio stations of Ohio-based "Folk Alley," at the basic root url:

www.folkalley.com

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# 10 feature... reprinted from Dec 28th edition...

♪ RECOMMENDED FILM, NOW IN RELEASE: "LAST FLAG FLYING"

"Last Flag Flying" is the new film with Brian Cranston, Steve Correl and Lawrence Fishburn. It's a very different kind of anti-war movie, very poignant, and balanced with bellylaugh humor. It is populated with believably complex characters, each on a journey of reconciliation with his own long-buried past.

You've already seen the words "war" and "his," but this film will appeal to plenty of women, too.

Fact is, before we saw it, the premise did not attract us at all -- a very young Marine is killed in Afghanistan, and his Vietnam Vet father is helped by his own old war buddies to get through all that happens because of it, including how and where to bury the kid.

But if that synopsis sounds like the story line, it sure isn't what the film is really about. This is the best, non-shoot-'em-up movie portraying what war is really all about. And it is very, very well done. This film better be a strong Oscar contender, for most of the key awards.

The performances are outstanding. The writing is outstanding. The cinematography is wonderful. Go.

a) ♪ HOLIDAY ICE RINK AT PERSHING SQUARE: The "Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square" has returned for its 20th anniversary season, outdoors under the palms. That's across the street from the L.A. Biltmore, and Pershing Square has its own Red/Purple Line subway station. The Guide always reports on things there in terms of the free access for everyone to watch and hear the LIVE MUSIC STAGE that accompanies the skate-for-a-fee skating rink -- but they didn't notify anybody this year about the music stage. In any event, LA WEEKLY reports, "The beloved recreational landmark [i.e., the Ice Skating Rink] is open now through January 15th for winter fun in the heart of downtown Los Angeles." Along with being something to do this weekend, the rink has a special event on New Year’s Day. That's the "Polar Bear Skate: The L.A. Edition" on Sunday, January 1, 2018 from 2:30-3:30 pm. Details are in our Dec 23 edition, and tickets for the ice rink or the special event can be bought at the rink's ticket window or in advance online at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.
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b) ♪ "TITANIC" AT THE REAGAN LIBRARY CLOSES JANUARY 7. Because you just saw "Reagan Library," you might think we're using the word "titanic" in its generic meaning as "something large." Nope. It's the word in its most singular iconic usage, because the White Star Steamship line chose that word to name what was, at the time, the world's largest ship. It was, of course, the 882-foot-long R.M.S. Titanic -- the one that sunk on its maiden voyage in the middle of the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg before midnight on April 14th.

Everyone has seen the James Cameron movie, "Titanic." Though 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the film's release, it was the latest in a long series of movie accounts. Even with the fictionalized romance of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the biggest wow-factor special effects of the time, and the original song by Celine Deon? The fact remains that the tragedy took the lives of at least 1,517 passengers and crew. Only 705 people survived in her lifeboats, and the possessions they took with them have been treasured, though scattered, relics of the tragedy.

The ship's lifeboats were all that was left of the lost liner herself, until Dr. Robert Ballard led a team in 1985 that piggybacked a search for the Titanic onto a secret mission for the US Navy. They found the ship, but didn't file salvage rights to protect the wreck and the ocean floor around it, which was strewn with artifacts.

Found while Ronald Reagan was President, and because he signed the 1986 "RMS Titanic Memorial Act" to designate the wreck as an international maritime memorial, it is appropriate that this exhibition was brought together at the Reagan Library.

For years, a curated collection of artifacts from the sea floor, recovered by others, has made the rounds of museums all over the world.

But this time it's different. Sets and props from the movie are integrated with possessions of lost passengers in the Reagan Library's exhibition.

"Titanic at the Reagan Library" combinines real artifacts with the real stories of the people onboard the ill-fated ship, and the film's models and props. This new exhibit tells the story of the unsinkable ship in a way no museum has done before. Artifacts from passengers, dispersed over time, are reunited in this exhibit for the first time in over 100 years.

This brand-new 10,000 square foot exhibition reunites hundreds of "Titanic" artifacts that have not been together since the ship’s fateful night in 1912. With them are materials and artifacts from the 1984-1985 discovery of the Titanic as well as with items from the 1997 movie. Together, this is a first-of-its-kind exhibition not seen anywhere else before.

It allows visitors to compare recovered artifacts and family heirlooms from survivors with the movie's "as built" appearance of things -- the ship still smelled of fresh paint when she sailed. Recovered artifacts, stabilized by conservators, emerge from the sea floor corroded and encrusted with the remnants of deep sea life. The latter even include evidence of the "rusticles" formed by iron-eating microorganisms that are devouring the great ship itself.

Admission includes a ticket to tour the Reagan Presidential Library and all its permanent exhibits. So it's a great place to take holiday visitors and spend the entire day.

Note: Discount tix have appeared on various websites. As always, be careful that you aren't getting scammed!
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c) ♪ IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO / PLACES TO GO are in The Guide's "Last Minute Gift Ideas" edition from Dec. 24. Hey, just because you didn't want to spring for a gift membership doesn't mean you and those guests at su casa wouldn't like to go! Check out
our recommendations at:

d) ♪ ONE WE LEFT OUT: GO SEE THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR at the California Science Center, at 901-999 Leighton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Of course, there's plenty of other good stuff to see there, too. Check it out at: https://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/space-shuttle-endeavour

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♪ THAT'S A WRAP FOR THIS EDITION, and for 2017.
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In 2018, The Guide will return with many more inclusive and inquisitive
and informative and pretty dad-burn interestin' features on musical
people, music groups and ensembles and collaborations,
the music industry and crazy music business,
new gear, instruments, and publications,
and all kindsa things, continuing
forward and onward across
the spectrum of the
arts scene,
-- all in our MUSIC NEWS editions.

In 2018, you can expect more interviews, previews, reviews, and investigative pieces on
how regulatory changes and corporate and internet hegemony effect the industry
and effect individual artists,
and more.

Coming your way soon.

Meantime, check in and LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK about THIS edition.

Y'all come back now, y'hear?

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See you next year!

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Seriously...
THIS IS HERE FOR YOU, THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC-MAKER AND FAN, SO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

As always, we invite you to join us and to let us know what YOU are listening to, and what artists or bands just sent you swooning and need to be shared with others.

Doing our part depends on you doing your part. That way, you'll know that a whole lot more is always coming soon — including fresh MUSIC NEWS, PREVIEWS & REVIEWS, and things in the future like our massive guide to the MUSIC FESTIVALS of 2017.

Meantime, we are ALWAYS big advocates of supporting LIVE PERFORMANCE. With everything happening in the big, wide world, and through these festival-packed, waning-of-summer weekends? Go get tuneful!

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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...

Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox? Is it Walschaerts or Baker or Stephenson valve gear? Superheated or saturated? Duplex or Standard stoker? Circulators or syphons in the firebox?

What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for basic essential informational stuff... geeez... soon as we take water from the tank, top-off the lubricators, and get beans from the Harvey House, we are sooo steamin' down the line...
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Thursday, December 28, 2017

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Options out 'n about, and one that's online... Because you haven't got any chestnuts to roast, anyway. And if those holiday guests are still there, you need to take them someplace just so you won't have to hear the same jokes and stories for the eleventeenth time.

We're still working on The Guide's BIIIIIG NEW YEAR'S EVE roundup of the best LIVE MUSIC / PERFORMANCE EVENTS happening on NYE. Meantime, tonight offers some fine options

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Contents / In this Edition...

1) Music in the Venues Tonight (and one broadcast/web radio show)

2) Live (recorded) Performance Online / On Demand: Duo from The Freight Hoppers

3) Recommended Film, Now in Release: "Last Flag Flying"

4) Reminders from Recent Editions -- Events Still Playing

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# 1 feature...

♪ MUSIC IN THE VENUES TONIGHT (and one broadcast/web radio show)

Thu, Dec 28:
5 pm KEN O'MALLEY plays an early evening solo show at The Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach, CA 90802; www.aulddubliner.com
* One of L.A.'s top Irish/Celtic singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists presents story and song by, says the Irish News, "one of the best Irish Balladeers in California!"
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Thu, Dec 28:
7:30 pm ELLEN & STEVE STAPENHORST play their annual show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10-pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* John Denver once OPENED for Steve. Ellen still plays all over the nation and the world.
* A fun and nostalgic turn from an act who makes it here once or twice per year. A lot of joy, maybe some choreography, and good music. So says Bob.
* In this show, Ellen Stapenhorst joins her brother Steve for an evening of sibling revelry as she continues her mission of spreading optimism and hope in challenging times. Traveling from her current digs in the quirky Rocky Mountain town of Paonia, Ellen brings fine songs, stories and humor, and a voice which will touch your soul…“A DAMN fine set of pipes!” actor Tim Curry exclaimed at one of her shows.
* From the L.A. coffeehouses of the ’60s, Ellen has gone on to castles on the Rhine, concert halls in Europe and the Caribbean, and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver. Choral arrangements of her music have been performed by several choirs, including the Aspen Choral Society, and her songs are showing up on playlists around the world. She brings a joyful warmth and humor to venues large and small, and her songs come from, and go right to, the heart.
* Ellen has shared stages with many folk and country artists, including John Denver, Buffy Ste. Marie and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
* Ellen has released five albums of original music, her latest being "Gravity & Light."
* On the airwaves, Ellen’s “Traveler” rode the "most-requested" list for two years on "Tied to the Tracks" -- the preeminent expression of L.A. acoustic radio -- and “Broke Down and Stalled in Grand Junction” was featured on NPR’s "Car Talk."
* Steve Stapenhorst, Ellen's brother, is a musician and actor with over 60 credits in TV and film, including "Mad Men," "West Wing," "Monk and Dexter," and recently "Scandal," and John C. Reilly's "Check it Out" with Dr. Steve Brule (in an episode called "Eggs," for a different side of Steve). He just shot an episode of the FX hit comedy, "Baskets."
* Steve adds his guitar and harmonies to Ellen's songs, throwing in one of his originals now and then. He joyfully shares his often terrible sense of humor, "resulting in sibling banter that can only surface after hundreds of years of performing together . . . but who’s counting?" he says. Oh, and that part about John Denver opening for Steve's band? That was about the same time Steve opened for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "at the dawn of time," he adds, "when Jackson Browne was in the Dirt Band."
* All of which prods venue impresario Bob Stane to say, "History comes alive at the Coffee Gallery Backstage!"
* Tix, $18.
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Thu, Dec 28:
7:30 pm GREG PORÉE GROUP plays the "Jazz at the Blue Guitar" series at in the Blue Guitar room at Arroyo Seco Golf Course, 1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena, CA.
* Greg Porée grew up in a multi-cultural environment in Los Angeles and his career in music reflects his upbringing. He has worked with a diverse group of musicians ranging from Ray Charles and Herbie Hancock to Diana Ross, Sting, and Phoebe Snow. His influences also cover a great chasm from Bach to the Beatles, and from Villa-Lobos to Motown. He was lead guitarist on the hit BBC show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for eight years, and can be heard on landmark albums by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Randy Crawford, Albert King, Ahmad Jamal, Benny Golson, Donald Byrd, and James Blunt. He produced groundbreaking solo albums in association with Sting for world music master Vinx, and was musical director for Sonny and Cher, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Joan Baez. He will be joined by Isaias Elpes on bass and Joey Heredia on drums.
* Adjacent to the Blue Guitar is the Arroyo Seco Grill which has food, wine, and full bar. You can bring your own bottle for a $10 corkage fee. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. The restaurant is open all day.
* Tix at: https://deepmix.thundertix.com/events
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# 2 feature...

♪ LIVE (recorded) PERFORMANCE ONLINE / ON DEMAND: DUO from THE FREIGHT HOPPERS

Frank Lee and Allie Burbrink present songs and tunes from the rural Southern tradition, spanning bluegrass, old time, blues, and spirituals. After a few years of collaborating, they took their duo act on the road in January 2016, with Frank playing guitar, slide guitar, and banjo and Allie playing guitar, banjo, and harmonica. They can also be heard trading-off lead and harmony vocals in their duet show and with their old time string band The Freight Hoppers.

A passion for traditional songs and tunes from the rural South has fueled Frank's love of performing for the past 40 years. As a founding member of The Freight Hoppers, he has shared this passion with audiences all over the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. His repertoire has a range of old time music that spans raw Blues from the Mississippi Delta to the hillbilly music recorded in the 1920s.

Allie Burbrink is a founding member of The Whipstitch Sallies, a bluegrass-influenced band from Indiana. She works with the Wernick Method Bluegrass Jamming organization and performs in the duo and with The Freight Hoppers.

Frank and Allie also organize an old time music retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains in early April called the "Banjo-Fiddle Frolic."

LISTEN TO and learn about Frank and Allie on their Folk Alley "Open Mic" page, at:

http://www.folkalley.com/openmic/artist.php?id=4190
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AND of course there's plenty more, including the 24/7 internet radio stations of Ohio-based "Folk Alley," at the basic root url:

www.folkalley.com

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# 3 feature...

♪ RECOMMENDED FILM, NOW IN RELEASE: "LAST FLAG FLYING"

"Last Flag Flying" is the new film with Brian Cranston, Steve Correl and Lawrence Fishburn. It's a good anti-war movie, very poignant, balanced with bellylaugh humor, with believably complex characters, each on a journey of reconciliation with a his own long-buried past.

You've already seen the words "war" and "his," but this film will appeal to plenty of women, too.

Fact is, before we saw it, the premise did not attract us at all -- a very young Marine is killed in Afghanistan, and his Vietnam Vet father is helped by his own old war buddies to get through all that happens because of it, including how and where to bury the kid.

But if that synopsis sounds like the story line, it sure isn't what the film is really about. This is the best, non-shoot-'em-up movie portraying what war is really all about. And it is very, very well done. This film better be a strong Oscar contender, for most of the key awards.

The performances are outstanding. The writing is outstanding. The cinematography is wonderful. Go.

a) ♪ HOLIDAY ICE RINK AT PERSHING SQUARE: The "Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square" has returned for its 20th anniversary season, outdoors under the palms. That's across the street from the L.A. Biltmore, and Pershing Square has its own Red/Purple Line subway station. The Guide always reports on things there in terms of the free access for everyone to watch and hear the LIVE MUSIC STAGE that accompanies the skate-for-a-fee skating rink -- but they didn't notify anybody this year about the music stage. In any event, LA WEEKLY reports, "The beloved recreational landmark [i.e., the Ice Skating Rink] is open now through January 15th for winter fun in the heart of downtown Los Angeles." Along with being something to do this weekend, the rink has a special event on New Year’s Day. That's the "Polar Bear Skate: The L.A. Edition" on Sunday, January 1, 2018 from 2:30-3:30 pm. Details are in our Dec 23 edition, and tickets for the ice rink or the special event can be bought at the rink's ticket window or in advance online at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.
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b) ♪ "TITANIC" AT THE REAGAN LIBRARY CLOSES JANUARY 7. Because you just saw "Reagan Library," you might think we're using the word "titanic" in its generic meaning as "something large." Nope. It's the word in its most singular iconic usage, because the White Star Steamship line chose that word to name what was, at the time, the world's largest ship. It was, of course, the 882-foot-long R.M.S. Titanic -- the one that sunk on its maiden voyage in the middle of the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg before midnight on April 14th.

Everyone has seen the James Cameron movie, "Titanic." Though 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the film's release, it was the latest in a long series of movie accounts. Even with the fictionalized romance of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the biggest wow-factor special effects of the time, and the original song by Celine Deon? The fact remains that the tragedy took the lives of at least 1,517 passengers and crew. Only 705 people survived in her lifeboats, and the possessions they took with them have been treasured, though scattered, relics of the tragedy.

The ship's lifeboats were all that was left of the lost liner herself, until Dr. Robert Ballard led a team in 1985 that piggybacked a search for the Titanic onto a secret mission for the US Navy. They found the ship, but didn't file salvage rights to protect the wreck and the ocean floor around it, which was strewn with artifacts.

Found while Ronald Reagan was President, and because he signed the 1986 "RMS Titanic Memorial Act" to designate the wreck as an international maritime memorial, it is appropriate that this exhibition was brought together at the Reagan Library.

For years, a curated collection of artifacts from the sea floor, recovered by others, has made the rounds of museums all over the world.

But this time it's different. Sets and props from the movie are integrated with possessions of lost passengers in the Reagan Library's exhibition.

"Titanic at the Reagan Library" combinines real artifacts with the real stories of the people onboard the ill-fated ship, and the film's models and props. This new exhibit tells the story of the unsinkable ship in a way no museum has done before. Artifacts from passengers, dispersed over time, are reunited in this exhibit for the first time in over 100 years.

This brand-new 10,000 square foot exhibition reunites hundreds of "Titanic" artifacts that have not been together since the ship’s fateful night in 1912. With them are materials and artifacts from the 1984-1985 discovery of the Titanic as well as with items from the 1997 movie. Together, this is a first-of-its-kind exhibition not seen anywhere else before.

It allows visitors to compare recovered artifacts and family heirlooms from survivors with the movie's "as built" appearance of things -- the ship still smelled of fresh paint when she sailed. Recovered artifacts, stabilized by conservators, emerge from the sea floor corroded and encrusted with the remnants of deep sea life. The latter even include evidence of the "rusticles" formed by iron-eating microorganisms that are devouring the great ship itself.

Admission includes a ticket to tour the Reagan Presidential Library and all its permanent exhibits. So it's a great place to take holiday visitors and spend the entire day.

Note: Discount tix have appeared on various websites. As always, be careful that you aren't getting scammed!
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c) ♪ IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO / PLACES TO GO are in The Guide's "Last Minute Gift Ideas" edition from Dec. 24. Hey, just because you didn't want to spring for a gift membership doesn't mean you and those guests at su casa wouldn't like to go! Check out
our recommendations at:

d) ♪ ONE WE LEFT OUT: GO SEE THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR at the California Science Center, at 901-999 Leighton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Of course, there's plenty of other good stuff to see there, too. Check it out at: https://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/space-shuttle-endeavour

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♪ THAT'S A WRAP FOR THIS EDITION
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We'll be back soon with our annual GUIDE TO NEW YEAR'S EVE.

In 2018, The Guide will return with many more inclusive and inquisitive
and informative and pretty dad-burn interestin' coverage
of all kindsa things, continuing forward and onward
in our MUSIC NEWS editions.

Interviews, previews, reviews,
how regulatory and industry changes effect the industry
and individual artists,
and more,
coming your way soon.

Meantime, check in and LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK about THIS one.

Y'all come back now, y'hear?

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See you next time!

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Seriously...
THIS IS HERE FOR YOU, THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC-MAKER AND FAN, SO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

As always, we invite you to join us and to let us know what YOU are listening to, and what artists or bands just sent you swooning and need to be shared with others.

Doing our part depends on you doing your part. That way, you'll know that a whole lot more is always coming soon — including fresh MUSIC NEWS, PREVIEWS & REVIEWS, and things in the future like our massive guide to the MUSIC FESTIVALS of 2017.

Meantime, we are ALWAYS big advocates of supporting LIVE PERFORMANCE. With everything happening in the big, wide world, and through these festival-packed, waning-of-summer weekends? Go get tuneful!

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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...

Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox? Is it Walschaerts or Baker or Stephenson valve gear? Superheated or saturated? Duplex or Standard stoker? Circulators or syphons in the firebox?

What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for basic essential informational stuff... geeez... soon as we take water from the tank, top-off the lubricators, and get beans from the Harvey House, we are sooo steamin' down the line...
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Short, sweet, simple. Stuff you can get online for a deserving someone. (AND avoid further enriching people who undermine American jobs -- we're talking about you, Amazon, and we do NOT buy from you.)
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...Don't support online spies who monitor you and sell your data to others... (yes they all implant cookies, and that, alone, is a form of spying)...

* Take them for an evening (or get them a gift certificate) to their favorite live music venue -- McCabe's (Santa Monica), Coffee Gallery Backstage (Altadena), Boulevard Music (Culver City), Fret House (Covina), Folk Music center (Claremont), Hotel Cafe (Hollywood), Canyon Club (Agoura), Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (Topanga), Grand Annex (San Pedro), Arcadia Blues Club (Arcadia), or any of many others.

* gift membership to the Grammy Museum in L.A. (via the museum website)

* concert tickets (careful: that's only appreciated if the show you choose is a good match)

* gift membership to Folk Alley, the 24/7 online multichannel folk radio station

* gift code to let them buy music from the big Amoeba Hollywood record store (Amoeba dot com)

* gift certificate to their favorite record store

* gift code to dowload music or get CDs from record labels (Red House and Rounder have lots of folkies)

* gift code to get CDs or downloads directly from an artist (via their website)

* lessons from the music teacher they can't afford

* gift code for music technique / instruction / method / books / or sheet music from one of the acoustic / folk-friendly publishers (Mel Bay or Alfred or Hal Leonard)

* gift membership (for the historically minded) to the Autry Museum of Western Heritage/Autry National Center (Griffith Park, L.A.), or the Battleship Iowa (San Pedro), or the Orange Empire Railway Museum (Perris), the Planes of Fame Museum (Chino), the Getty, the Skirball, the Broad, or whatever museum / historical site matches their interests.

* gift membership (for the scientifically minded) to The Planetary Society, or the Griffith Observatory.

* gift membership to an organization working to save the planet or some part of it -- The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ocean Institute, Greenpeace, Audubon Society, or any of many more.

* a donation in their name to help fire victims in California, or flood victims in Texas, or fellow Americans suffering in the shambles of Puerto Rico; there are plenty of reputable locally-based NGOs working in each of these places.

* donation in their name to a music charity -- one that puts instruments and instruction back in the schools, or one that helps hurting musicians, like MusicCares.

* or donate in their name to a horse-rescue or animal rescue organization, or a local facility that does equine therapy for handicapped and disabled kids.
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+ All that said -- do you just want to check-off a box next to each name, or do you want to do something that makes the receiver and the giver both feel good, and a little bit fulfilled about being on the planet at the same time they are?

+ AND remember -- the most treasured thing you can give anybody is your time and your company. You can go with them to the grocery store and buy food to take, together, to the local food bank. Then go have lunch just with them.
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Feel free to share this with other harried, last minute procrastinators. The Acoustic Americana Music Guide waves the copyright for this edition.
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We hope you find a way to make all of it meaningful to you and those dear to you.
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Oops! One more news story for you, just below...

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A TV SHOW, TODAY ONLY, OF SPECIAL NOTE

We all remember what the floods brought to Texas, even as their own politicians insisted on getting aid but ignoring the fact that global climate change is certain to keep doing things like that, as the new normal.

The Guide's editor had seen it before, as a volunteer who went to Louisiana to help recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. And in all these years since, he says that TV never really communicated what it was like for the people who live there, because it never conveyed what they endured.

Years later, the 2017 Texas floods have finally brought some of the best that TV has ever done to show personal stories -- of families trying to reclaim their flood-damaged houses after the water has receded and the mold is growing everywhere.

The show is American-produced, but on foreign-owned television. Which, alone, tells you something about US corporate mainstream media.

We can all see this new show, today only.

"This absolutely brought me back to when I volunteered in Louisiana after Katrina, and it is just what so many there faced with their ruined homes," says our editor.

He recalls that he bought a chisel-pointed drywall "jab" saw in a hardware store in un-flooded Baton Rouge and gave it to a friend who lived in hard-hit New Orleans -- a present for her birthday -- and he showed her how to use it.

With her two sons, she ripped out all the soaked carpets, then used the saw to cut-off the bottom-third of all the drywall in the whole house. That allowed them to pull all the soggy insulation down and out of the walls, and save their home.

THEN they faced exactly what the families in the episode of this TV show were dealing with, when the show was filmed in October. And back then, after Katrina, just as now in Texas, it all happens for a long time, and all of it after the TV morning shows and cable news camera crews have left.

This time, someone came back. "Great American Pilgrimage" airs multiple times every Saturday on RT America, on cable / satellite / Direct TV, and as an online simulcast.

Pacific time, it premiered today at 6:30 am, and it REPEATS TODAY-only, at

* 10:29 am

* 2:29 pm

and

* 6:30 pm

It's a half-hour show.

The series is hosted by STEPHEN BALDWIN (one of the actor clan of Baldwin brothers) with co-host MAX KEISER (the financial guru who hosts "Keiser Report" and is also a stand-up comic and magician).

The show is a cross-country journey in a motor home, meeting ordinary Americans, de-bunking media-driven myths, and looking at how folks really live, struggle, and think.

The trip is financed by the cryptocurrency company called Dash, which is sort of like Bitcoin "but with customer service," says its representative. He is making this part of the trip with the duo, which was already a sort-of trio with Stephen's cute little dog along for the ride. Dash users give some money to flood victims in this episode -- they've helped others in need in previous episodes.

If you need to watch it online, just go to

www.RT.com

Scroll to the bottom, and on top of the third column, click "Live"

The "On Air" page comes up. Click the tab up top for "RT America" and you're there with the live broadcast, 24/7.

For future reference, there's also a tab to watch "RT Documentary." Each day, RT America screens half-hour segments of documentary films from all over the world, many of them award-winning. The documentary tab gets you access to watch many of the recent ones, in full.

Now, seriously -- Forget about all the vilification you hear from mainstream corporate media and crybaby congressmen about RT being "evil Russian propaganda." As a journalist, I'm at least as sick of all that BS as you probably are. Just go watch and decide for yourself.

We have found that there's really good stuff on RT America, all the time -- in addition to "Redacted Tonight," the comedy news show we love so much (it is the best thing since Jon Stewart retired: part political parody, part call-out-and-ridicule-the-bums and expose what they're doing with our money, and how they've got us addicted to perpetual war).

All of RT America's other shows have higher "production values" than this seat-of-the-pants, take-the-show-on-the-road "Great American Pilgrimage." But this episode is of special significance -- to all of us with friends who've been flooded, and to all of us who are disgusted with a mainstream media that parachutes in for the drama, then leaves people to contend with the mess.

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Again, Merry Christmas.

The Acoustic Americana Music Guide waves the copyright for this edition.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

.
.
Welcome to The Guide's roundup of the best LIVE MUSIC / PERFORMANCE EVENTS during Christmas weekend and before New Year's Eve, PLUS the timely MUSIC NEWS that won't wait.
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You probably know, but we'll say it here: when the Holiday Season arrives, The Guide covers the charming, inspiring and uplifting kind of stuff -- look elsewhere to wallow in dogmatic religiosity.

There is a LOT that's TIMELY in this edition -- meaning if you put-off reading this, you'll miss out on some opportunities. So at least give it a quick once-through before you tell yourself you'll get back to it later.

Okay, look, if you haven't bought it yet, maybe the forces of the universe are trying to tell you that it won't exactly put you in the "peace on earth, ggod will toward men" mode if you subject yourself to the fracas of retail consumerism on Christmas Eve.

So, why not consider something that will allow you to spend TIME with your special someones and rediscover conversation of the face-to-face kind, while you're in line for the BEST CHRISTMAS SHOW IN L.A.! Here it is -- something FUN that you can round-up your besties and go do together, and it's FREE.

The 58th Annual "L.A. County Holiday Celebration" is Sunday, December 24th, 3-6 pm, at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

All ages are welcome, but the show doesn't allow annoying screaming kids to wreck the performance.

All the promo calls this " multicultural," but it's far more accurate to say that it is inclusive of L.A.'s best, from Folk-Americana to big band to orchestral to jazz, AND the many cultures from all over the planet. Now, the latter is performed by the folks who know those cultures, as they put on their best and perform their best music and dance for everyone LIVE. And all of it is just for this one-day-a-year event. It's inclusive of music and dance pros and the talented amateurs who get invitations to perform all over the world at festivals and for heads of state.

It's also Los Angeles’ largest holiday celebration. This free show honors the dynamic, rich cultures found in every niche of the far-flung County. It celebrates the diverse groups of L.A.-based performing artists as they showcase their talent and artistry on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage. Founded in 1959 by the late Kenneth Hahn, supervisor of the Second District of Los Angeles County for 40 years (from 1952-1992), the three-hour live production features instrumental music, choral music and dance performances.

Highlights of this year’s L.A. County Holiday Celebration include many performers returning to the show, including Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble, which will perform a classical handbell piece that celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah; the Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers, who will sing holiday songs; the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band, which will play a medley of holiday favorites; the MUSYCA Children’s Choir, which will perform Christmas songs written by contemporary artists; Mostly Kosher, which will play upbeat Jewish folk and holiday songs; the Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Company, which will perform a Korean drumming dance; and Las Colibri, which will perform a collection of holiday songs.

If it isn't already your tradition to “Celebrate L.A.” this holiday season with the L.A. County Holiday Celebration, why not start now? It's been a crappy year, and it sure would be nice to end it with something good that can become an annual "something" you'll look forward to doing.

If you CAN'T GO see it free at The Music Center?

♪ Watch it on KOCE, aka PBS SoCal, or

♪ Stream it LIVE on pbssocal.org

♪ More information at www.holidaycelebration.org

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BEFORE & AFTER THE SHOW...

You'll want pictures of the huge Christmas Tree on the plaza outside the venue -- both in daylight and at night (with its lights). It's L.A.'s equivalent of the big one in New York at Rockefeller Plaza.

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THE ONLY CAVEAT...

Since this is FREE and it is an annual tradition for so many people, you'll need to arrive hours early. Yes, you'll be waiting in line for many hours if you want to be sure you'll get in for the entire show. Latecomers usually get in for the last few acts, but they can watch the show on large diamond vision screens set up high over the plaza.

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THE LIVE BROADCAST / WEBCAST, and REPEATS...

Both the broadcast and the webcast of the "L.A. County Holiday Celebration" go out LIVE. On TV, tune to KOCE, aka PBS SoCal, broadcast or cable. The LIVE STREAM is on www.pbssocal.org and that's also from 3-6 pm.

RE-BROADCASTS can be viewed on December 24th, 9 pm-midnight, and December 25, noon-3 pm on PBS SoCal. In addition, PBS SoCal 2 re-airs the event December 25, 3-6 am, 6-9 am, and 7-10 pm. For all those perpetually late for everything, you can catch it on December 26, 11 am-2 pm on PBS SoCal 2.

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GETTING THERE...

Parking is (gasp) FREE in the main Music Center garage (lot 14) off of Grand Avenue between Temple and 1st streets. IF you arrive before it fills-up.

Better yet, Go Metro: Take the Metro Red/Purple Line to the Civic Center/Grand Park Station, then walk out the station exit to Temple St/Hill St. The L.A. County Holiday Celebration is only two blocks from the station, up the hill. Plan your trip on www.metro.net or call 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876) but don't wait 'til the last minute, because that site bogs down with too many people trying to access the same thing.

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ADA ACCESSIBILITY...

The Music Center prides itself on being accessible to all patrons. There is a sign language interpreter at the performance. The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavillion is also ADA accessible. ADA parking is available in the main Music Center garage with displayed placards, but again, go EARLY before it gets full.

Email requests for specific ADA information to The Music Center's ADA Compliance Officer, Carolyn Van Brunt: cvanbrunt@musiccenter.org. You may also call the recorded Access assistance line to leave a voice mail request, at 213-972-0777.
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FOOD...

That's a big deal, since, again, you'll be waiting in line for many hours if you want to be sure you'll get in for the entire show.

There is a bar with food and beverages on The Music Center Plaza, and Tina’s Tacos will be open and serving. Menu items include:

* Hot Dogs - $2

* 3 Tacos + Soda - $8

* Popcorn - $2

* Churros - $2

(Or just GO PLENTY EARLY, hop off the train at Union Station and walk across the street to Olvera Street for a Mexican breakfast or lunch, or a couple blocks over to Chinatown for some good Chinese food. Then back to Union Station to hop on the Red/Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station.)

FOOD, once you're inside the venue? The Lobby Bars and Oval Bar at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion will be open with drinks and snacks for purchase.

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# 2 events feature...

♪ NEW YEAR'S EVE PREVIEW / THOUGHTS ON 2018...

We'll have more for you on the many tuneful things you can choose for a musical N.Y.E. -- but since we're on the subject of the Music Center, there's this promo presented ver batim, with an added comment we couldn't resist making:

The promo says, "Dance your heart out and into 2018 with best friends, sweeties, friendly neighbors and those cousins from out-of-town at the West Coast’s flagship New Year’s Eve celebration. Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. is the place to dream together and welcome new beginnings with a countdown on City Hall, live music, food and photo booths in one big, beautiful, colorful Angeleno experience to remember!"
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Hmmm. A "countdown on City Hall"-? A typo in the promo, something Freudian, or are they trying to tell us something more? Or maybe it's just what happens to everyone's thinking after a year of big corporate media hammering the keyboards (and our consciousness) trying to hit the political "undo" button.

Can we all agree on one thing? 2018 has GOT to be better, even if we need to make our New Year's Resolutions about tuning-out and turning-off the yammering Chicken Little and relentless negativity! As in: (a) if it's broken, we elected you to FIX it; (b) if you fix it, make it better for US, not for some rich corporation that awards bloated bonuses to execs from the money they steal from us because you rigged things so they could; (c) if you -- the politicos or the megamerged corporate media are lying to us, we're going to call you out; (d) if you insist on exploiting us, you're pimps (especially when you steal every esoteric detail about all of us online and sell it to others who will exploit us even more); (e) if you try to tell us we're obligated to do as you say because we're in your tribe, we are getting outta the tribe; (f) we're not waiting to be William Wallace, about to be burned at the stake, before we shout "Freeeeeeeee-dommmmmm!"

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# 3 events feature...

♪ LIVE ONLINE, CHRISTMAS EVE at 6 PM

With local venues giving the night for employees to spend with their families -- which is a damn fine hint that all those megagiant overmerged corporate money-grubbers really ought to copy -- there aren't a lot of options to the holiday fare on TV. But we found one delightful one for you, online.
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Sat, Dec 23, online:
6 pm (PST) "WFMT CHRISTMAS RADIO FOLKSTAGE CONCERT" with MICHAEL SMITH and JAMIE O'REILLY, live on the "FOLKSTAGE" radio show from WFMT Fine Arts Radio 98.7 FM, in Chicago.
* ONLINE live, plus it's broadcast in Chicago.
* MICHAEL SMITH performs a set of solo songs, preceded by JAMIE O'REILLY and her daughters on three-part harmonies. Michael is accompanied by PETER SWENSON, then there's an ensemble finale with everyone.
* Hosted by RICH WARREN.
* LISTEN at www.wfmt.org -- scroll to the bottom of the page and click "listen live."

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# 4 events feature...

♪ COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE HAS LIVE SHOWS, DEC. 28 & 30

Both these shows are highly recommended as TOP PICKS by The Guide.

It's rare that any venue will risk competing with the push-and-shove, tackle-and-grab of after-Christmas mark-down derbies, and risk offering a peaceful night of music. Or compete with the hype buildup that precedes the New Year's Eve debauchery. But up in lil' ol' Altadena -- just up into the heights from the 210 Freeway's Lake Avenue exit in Pasadena -- you'll find delightful acoustic tunefulness, as always. And, yes Virginia, that does include this coming Thursday and Saturday, before the N.Y.E. hoopla gets cranked-up.
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Thu, Dec 28:
7:30 pm ELLEN & STEVE STAPENHORST play their annual show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10-pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* John Denver once OPENED for Steve. Ellen still plays all over the nation and the world.
* A fun and nostalgic turn from an act who makes it here once or twice per year. A lot of joy, maybe some choreography, and good music. So says Bob.
* In this show, Ellen Stapenhorst joins her brother Steve for an evening of sibling revelry as she continues her mission of spreading optimism and hope in challenging times. Traveling from her current digs in the quirky Rocky Mountain town of Paonia, Ellen brings fine songs, stories and humor, and a voice which will touch your soul…“A DAMN fine set of pipes!” actor Tim Curry exclaimed at one of her shows.
* From the L.A. coffeehouses of the ’60s, Ellen has gone on to castles on the Rhine, concert halls in Europe and the Caribbean, and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver. Choral arrangements of her music have been performed by several choirs, including the Aspen Choral Society, and her songs are showing up on playlists around the world. She brings a joyful warmth and humor to venues large and small, and her songs come from, and go right to, the heart.
* Ellen has shared stages with many folk and country artists, including John Denver, Buffy Ste. Marie and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
* Ellen has released five albums of original music, her latest being "Gravity & Light."
* On the airwaves, Ellen’s “Traveler” rode the "most-requested" list for two years on "Tied to the Tracks" -- the preeminent expression of L.A. acoustic radio -- and “Broke Down and Stalled in Grand Junction” was featured on NPR’s "Car Talk."
* Brother Steve Stapenhorst is a musician and actor with over 60 credits in TV and film, including "Mad Men," "West Wing," "Monk and Dexter," and recently "Scandal," and John C. Reilly's "Check it Out" with Dr. Steve Brule (in an episode called "Eggs," for a different side of Steve). He just shot an episode of the FX hit comedy, "Baskets."
* Steve adds his guitar and harmonies to Ellen's songs, throwing in one of his originals now and then. He joyfully shares his often terrible sense of humor, "resulting in sibling banter that can only surface after hundreds of years of performing together . . . but who’s counting?" he says. Oh, and that part about John Denver opening for Steve's band? That was about the same time Steve opened for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "at the dawn of time," he adds, "when Jackson Browne was in the Dirt Band."
* All of which prods venue impresario Bob Stane to say, "History comes alive at the Coffee Gallery Backstage!"
* Tix, $18.
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Sat, Dec 30:
7 pm THE MISKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10-pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* Featuring the all star line up of world renowned mandolinist Evan Marshall, slap-bassist extraordinare John W. Marshall, celebrated flat picker Alex Finazzo, and film & television vocalist & bassist Michelle Lynskey, this is quite an ensemble.
* Individually and together, they’ve headlined for Disney's D23, the TOURNAMENT OF ROSES POST PARADE EVENT, the 25TH Annual "IMAGINE AWARDS," and the "LIGHT UP THE SEASON" event at Walt Disney Studios, and have been featured artists at the HOLLYWOOD BOWL, THE RING OF FIRE, various POPS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS, and performed on "A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION," and HBO’s "BIG LOVE."
* Bob Stane tells us, "They are now delighted to be combining their talents and expertise to create this incredible, one-of-a-kind band, THE MISKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS."
* This wonderful show consists of unique and exciting musical arrangements that incorporate hints of jazz, classical and swing with traditional Bluegrass, and includes such innovative elements as double-double slap-bassing, blazing fiddle duets, driving Bluegrass tunes, powerful vocals, and energetic step dancing. Add in the joy and camaraderie of these long time friends, and you have an evening of fun and music you won’t soon forget.
* More at www.michellelynskey.com
* Tix, $20.

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# 5 events feature...

♪ D.I.Y. HOLIDAY EVENTS, CAJUN STYLE

Our friends at the annual "Simi Valley Cajun Blues Festival" sent us these "Cajun Inspired Holiday Recipes," perfect to "Serve up a Cajun inspired menu at this year’s holiday dinner" or for any gathering where you're hosting or taking a potluck dish. Reading what's below reminds of Grandpa Jones on "Hee Haw" reading what's for supper, and getting a chorus of "Yummm, yummm!"

Want to spice things up this holiday season? Then try out some of these Cajun inspired recipes during the holidays this year.

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients (except pecans) in a small dish and whisk together until combined.
2. Place pecans in a medium bowl and pour liquid mixture on top.
3. Stir until well coated.
4. Arrange pecans into a single layer on a jelly-roll pan. (I line the pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up).
5. Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes, stirring once after about 8-10 minutes.

Directions:
1. In a large skillet cook two slices of bacon over medium heat until crisp, remove bacon from skillet, roughly chop. Wipe skillet clean and set aside to use later for the shrimp.
2. In a medium to large sauce pan bring chicken broth to a boil, add grits and reduce heat to low. Cover and let grits simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. When grits have absorbed the liquid add cream cheese, shredded cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir mixture well, cover and remove from heat.
5. Place shrimp in a large plastic bag or mixing bowl, add Old Bay, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and smoked paprika and toss until shrimp is coated.
6. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp and cook 3 minutes on each side or until shrimp is pink and tender.
7. To assemble the shrimp and grits add a heaping serving of grits to two shallow bowls. Top with shrimp, chopped green onions, chopped bacon and additional pepper.

Directions:
1. For the greens, heat a 12″ skillet or stockpot over medium-high heat. (Dice the bacon and onion while skillet heats.) Add bacon and onion to skillet and saute, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown.
2. Reduce heat to medium, and add greens to skillet a couple handfuls at a time. Stir and let wilt slightly before adding more. After adding all the greens, season with salt and hot sauce, add 1/3 cup water, and stir. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until dinner is ready to serve.

Directions:
1. Prepare an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and spraying well with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place all of the bread pieces into the baking dish.
3. Pour the melted butter over the bread.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple or vanilla extract, cinnamon, and the salt.
5. Stir in the pecans. Pour evenly over the bread pieces. Use a rubber spatula to push and “prod” the bread pieces around in the dish until all are coated in the syrupy mixture.
6. Bake at 375º for 45 minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream!

Whip up these dishes to give your holiday celebration a Cajun kick!
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The above is also available at the "Cajun Blues Blog" at http://cajunbluesblog.com/cajun-inspired-holiday-recipes/

When they sent it, they added: "Love Cajun food and can’t get enough? Then mark your calendar for the next Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival. In summer of 2018, Simi Valley will come alive with Cajun music and food, zydeco music, blues music, a Mardi Gras parade, zydeco dance lessons, and more! To learn more about this exciting local event, contact Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival." Their site has moved from the old Rotary Club page to its own dedicated site. The new one is: http://cajunbluesblog.com

This is a brand new one, just published online Dec. 19, by the great guitarist MURIEL ANDERSON. She writes, "To wish you a beautiful holiday, I hope you enjoy this arrangement of 'Silent Night' I just filmed for you. I was playing my arrangement in front of the fire, and Bryan said, 'Hey, let's film this and share it with you.' So here it is."

Muriel adds, "I am spending lovely family time this week, and will Christmas carol around the neighborhood with kerosene lanterns and three generations of family, along with neighbors and dogs, as we have every year since I can remember. Have a beautiful holiday season! -- Muriel."

Her acoustic guitar arrangement is, indeed, very special. We'd call it technically dazzling if it were not so evocative of peace and tranquility. Certainly, it's safe to say innovative and creative, epitomizing all the timeless tune should be -- even with her nineteen chord changes (sheet music of her arrangement is at her website, if you want to attempt it!)

When they told us "This is a limited time only opportunity" for you to enter your original Christmas or Holiday song, they weren't kidding. Word arrived Dec 22, then, on Dec 23, they sent a second message that declared the closing date is TODAY, Saturday, Dec 23.

The USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION has been around a long time, but this is only their second Christmas/Holiday songwriting contest.

They ask us to ask you, "Do you have an Original Christmas Song you have written or co-written? Do you have a song like 'Last Christmas' by Wham! or 'All I Want for Chritsmas Is You' by Mariah Carey? Do you have any Hanukkah or Kwanzaa songs? Why not enter the Christmas/Holiday Songwriting Competition. Who knows, you could be the top winner and [earn] a special Christmas Songwriting trophy for that special place on your mantle and possible songwriting contract with a major music publishing house. The Top 15 finalists' songs will appear on our Christmas/Holiday Compilation CD, which will be promoted to various radio stations in USA and Canada! This is excellent music industry exposure for you and your music!"

To be considered in this year's competition, you need to enter no later than today. The link is:

http://www.songwriting.net/xmas

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# 8 events feature...

♪ CHRISTMAS FROM A COWBOY PERSPECTIVE: LARRY MAURICE

Our ol' pard LARRY MAURICE has won 'purt near all the awards a cowboy poet and storyteller can take home to become treasured doorstops and paperweights -- even if he won't ever characterize them that way, we all know that cowboy logic is eminently practical, and ev'rything needs to have a use if'n we want to justify havin' it around the place.

With that in mind, Larry -- on behalf of wife Lonnie, their horses and assorted other critters, sent us this on Friday. It's the annual holiday message from "2 Cent Ranch." Enjoy.
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Hey! It’s Christmas

I’ve never been much on any holidays
All the pomp, hoopla and stuff
Seems that in my life just having a break in the action
(Sometimes)
Is just about good enough

Every day on the ranch is packed tighter than Santa’s bag of toys
If the work doesn’t get done everything and everybody
Starts into makin’ all kinds of noise
The horses don’t care if it’s Easter or Kwanzaa
Vacations don’t even come into the barn
Thanksgiving and Hanukkah and St. Patty’s day
I missed it? Really?
Darn!

Just missin’ a feedin’ or a waterin’
Can darn near be called animal abuse
“I had to run out and spend a couple a hundred dollars on Christmas decorations”
To the critters Pard,
that ain’t no kind of excuse

But there is a time of the season when even the stock
And the land seems to get
When the frost hits the rabbit brush and ice rims the buckets
I haven’t been able to figure it out yet

When the “fall” falls for anything that doesn’t look like itself
And “spring” isn’t even starting to coil
There is a time and peace that covers the scene
It hides deep and rich in our soil

Most folks run hither and yon getting all the “stuff “
Making the whirlwind spin
They say it’s for the kids or tradition or remembering
But when it comes right down to it
Their reasoning gets pretty thin
I don’t get how “Peace on Earth” comes from
Covering your house with a thousand coordinated flashing lights
We think that the twinkle is best from the heavens above
On clear, cold Nevada nights

- Our life comes down to the things that we need
- We can figure out what we both want,
(Most of the time)
Our first responsibilities are to our stock and to this land
Between us, that seems to work just fine

We hold and cherish our precious gifts each day
Say a little thanks now and then
We don’t make a big deal out of it because we know
That the good times and the bad times are always coming
again and again and again

This life lets us be a part of all that we love the best
Horses, cattle, dogs, our friends and family
Mostly each other and once in a while
Rest

So this is our way of saying Merry Christmas to you
We hope all your needs are met
All your little things that are just wants
Won’t be so very hard to get
We want you to need warm sunny days
Time to laugh, ride and too cry
To share special moments with a friends and family
“To watch the sun come blazing down
from a bright Nevada sky.”

Here’s hoping that you’ll have time to waste in the days to come
And hey!
Slow down a little bit in this coming “New Year”
Make time for all the real things in your heart and soul
Before they disappear

Let’s leave behind all the folks who are wondering
How many shinny baubles they’ll be able to gather
Let’s let go of all the hype and hoopla, all the fluff and noise and blather

Christmas comes but once a year
But it does come every year
Of that, there never is a doubt
This time
Take the day off and if you have to decorate something?
Try a Birthday cake
If I remember correctly?
That’s what it’s all about!

-- Merry Christmas from Lonnie and Larry Maurice and all of us at

2 Cent Ranch, Palomino Valley, NV
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Learn about Larry Maurice's performance schedule, awards, CDs, and 'purt near everything he wants you to know about celebrating the cowboy life, at his website:

www.larrymaurice.com

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# 9 events feature...

♪ AMERICANA MUSIC ASSOCIATION'S HOLIDAY PLAYLIST -- LISTEN ONLINE

By now, everyone knows that the Americana Music Association is at the center of all things Folk-Americana, with equal time for Honky-Tonk and lots more American, Canadian, and Southwest Borderlands roots music. The Guide covers their annual conference and events, awards and news.

So, when they put together an online assemblage of 20 holiday tunes you can hear and enjoy -- by the likes of The Mavericks, Barefoot Movement, Balsam Range, Nathaniel Rateliff, Boo Ray & Elizabeth Cook, Jon Langford, Mark Erelli, and more, we knew we had to share it. Enjoy!

The "Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square" has returned for its 20th anniversary season, outdoors under the palms. The Guide always reports on things there in terms of the free access for everyone to watch and hear the LIVE MUSIC STAGE that accompanies the skate-for-a-fee skating rink -- but they didn't notify anybody this year about the music stage.

In any event, LA WEEKLY reports, "The beloved recreational landmark [i.e., the Ice Skating Rink] is open now through January 15th for winter fun in the heart of downtown Los Angeles."

Along with being something to do this weekend, the rink has a special event on New Year’s Day.

It's the "Polar Bear Skate: The L.A. Edition" on Sunday, January 1, 2018 from 2:30-3:30 pm.

There, you can "Experience Canada’s 'Polar Bear Plunge' done the California way. Skaters are invited to ring in the New Year… in their chicest, wildest, and most inventive beach attire, of course. Spectators will judge as prizes are awarded based on theme, originality, and overall appearance."

That's across the street from the L.A. Biltmore, and Pershing Square has its own Red/Purple Line subway station. Tickets for the ice rink can be bought at the rink's ticket window or in advance online at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.

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# 11 events feature...

♪ "TITANIC" AT THE REAGAN LIBRARY CLOSES JANUARY 7

Because you just saw "Reagan Library," you might think we're using the word "titanic" in its generic meaning as "something large." Nope. It's the word in its most singular iconic usage, because the White Star Steamship line chose that word to name what was, at the time, the world's largest ship. It was, of course, the 882-foot-long R.M.S. Titanic -- the one that sunk on its maiden voyage in the middle of the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg before midnight on April 14th.

Everyone has seen the James Cameron movie, "Titanic." Though 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the film's release, it was the latest in a long series of movie accounts. Even with the fictionalized romance of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the biggest wow-factor special effects of the time, and the original song by Celine Deon? The fact remains that the tragedy took the lives of at least 1,517 passengers and crew. Only 705 people survived in her lifeboats, and the possessions they took with them have been treasured, though scattered, relics of the tragedy.

The ship's lifeboats were all that was left of the lost liner herself, until Dr. Robert Ballard led a team in 1985 that piggybacked a search for the Titanic onto a secret mission for the US Navy. They found the ship, but didn't file salvage rights to protect the wreck and the ocean floor around it, which was strewn with artifacts.

Found while Ronald Reagan was President, and because he signed the 1986 "RMS Titanic Memorial Act" to designate the wreck as an international maritime memorial, it is appropriate that this exhibition was brought together at the Reagan Library.

For years, a curated collection of artifacts from the sea floor, recovered by others, has made the rounds of museums all over the world.

But this time it's different. Sets and props from the movie are integrated with possessions of lost passengers in the Reagan Library's exhibition.

"Titanic at the Reagan Library" combinines real artifacts with the real stories of the people onboard the ill-fated ship, and the film's models and props. This new exhibit tells the story of the unsinkable ship in a way no museum has done before. Artifacts from passengers, dispersed over time, are reunited in this exhibit for the first time in over 100 years.

This brand-new 10,000 square foot exhibition reunites hundreds of "Titanic" artifacts that have not been together since the ship’s fateful night in 1912. With them are materials and artifacts from the 1984-1985 discovery of the Titanic as well as with items from the 1997 movie. Together, this is a first-of-its-kind exhibition not seen anywhere else before.

It allows visitors to compare recovered artifacts and family heirlooms from survivors with the movie's "as built" appearance of things -- the ship still smelled of fresh paint when she sailed. Recovered artifacts, stabilized by conservators, emerge from the sea floor corroded and encrusted with the remnants of deep sea life. The latter even include evidence of the "rusticles" formed by iron-eating microorganisms that are devouring the great ship itself.

Admission includes a ticket to tour the Reagan Presidential Library and all its permanent exhibits. So it's a great place to take holiday visitors and spend the entire day.

Note: Discount tix have appeared on various websites. As always, be careful that you aren't getting scammed!

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♪ THAT'S A WRAP FOR THIS EDITION
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We'll be back soon with our annual GUIDE TO NEW YEAR'S EVE.

In 2018, The Guide will return with many more inclusive and inquisitive
and informative and pretty dad-burn interestin' coverage
of all kindsa things, continuing forward and onward
in our MUSIC NEWS editions.

Interviews, previews, reviews,
how regulatory and industry changes effect the industry
and individual artists,
and more,
coming your way soon.

Meantime, check in and LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK about THIS one.

Y'all come back now, y'hear?

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See you next time!

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Seriously...
THIS IS HERE FOR YOU, THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC-MAKER AND FAN, SO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

As always, we invite you to join us and to let us know what YOU are listening to, and what artists or bands just sent you swooning and need to be shared with others.

Doing our part depends on you doing your part. That way, you'll know that a whole lot more is always coming soon — including fresh MUSIC NEWS, PREVIEWS & REVIEWS, and things in the future like our massive guide to the MUSIC FESTIVALS of 2017.

Meantime, we are ALWAYS big advocates of supporting LIVE PERFORMANCE. With everything happening in the big, wide world, and through these festival-packed, waning-of-summer weekends? Go get tuneful!

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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...

Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox? Is it Walschaerts or Baker or Stephenson valve gear? Superheated or saturated? Duplex or Standard stoker? Circulators or syphons in the firebox?

What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for basic essential informational stuff... geeez... soon as we take water from the tank, top-off the lubricators, and get beans from the Harvey House, we are sooo steamin' down the line...
________________________________

About the Picture, and more...

ABOUT THE GUIDE'S EDITOR: Longtime journalist, with awards for print, publishing, broadcasting, more, including the Music Legend Award, presented to just one honoree each year at the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival. Creator and host of radio's award-winning "Tied to the Tracks" that introduced an Acoustic Americana / acoustic renaissance format to Los Angeles radio, with live in-studio performance-interviews with wonderful musicians; over 300 performing guests including GRAMMY and Juno winners and nominees.